What is sciatica?

Sciatica is specifically nerve pain involving the posterior aspect of the thigh, calf or foot and which is caused by irritation or compression of  the sciatic nerve, the main nerve into the leg.  Pain may originate where the nerves pass through and emerge between the lower bones of the spine (lumbar vertebrae) or as the nerve passes through the Piriformis muscles in the pelvis.There may be numbness and weakness of the lower leg muscles and loss of reflexes.

Sciatica and low back pain

Sciatica is often combined with low back pain. The order in which the symptoms appear may vary. Back pain often precedes sciatica and sometimes will follow.

Causes and effects

The most common cause of true sciatica is a “slipped, prolapsed, twisted or bulging disc“. The discs (or inter-vertebral discs) are the cushions which separate the bones of the spine (vertebrae).

Sciatica may cause  the sufferer to bend forward or sideways in an attempt to avoid further nerve compression (antalgia).

Treatment

Sayer clinic chiropractors will perform chiropractic, orthopaedic and neurological tests and may take Digital Computerised X-Rays while the patient stands, so that major curvature and disc compression can be shown. The X-ray can also detect any congenital spinal deformities, bone cancer and osteoporosis (brittle bones).

Treatment may involve gentle and specific spinal mobilisation or manipulation, soft-tissue therapy, acupuncture, laser or ultrasound.

Where examination indicates a large disc prolapse with major neurological symptoms and signs an MRI scan will be arranged and neurosurgical referral will be made without delay.

There are three Sayer Clinics throughout London.

Each Clinic offers a variety of services for:

• back pain relief
• lower back pain relief
• sciatica pain relief
• sciatica treatment
• chronic back pain relief

Treatments include: Chiropractic, Medical Acupuncture, Physical Therapy and Therapeutic Massage.

To view patient’s testimonials for Sayer Clinics London, please click here.

Call Ines or Maggie on 020 7937 8978 to make an appointment  from 8am to 8pm – We’re here to help you.